A POWYS man who brandished a meat cleaver to ‘de-escalate a situation’ was given an 18-month community order on Tuesday (September 24).

Jack Williams, 21 and of Pine Court in Newtown, left the dock in an emotional state after magistrates at the court in Welshpool passed down the community order.

He had previously pleaded guilty to using threatening words and behaviour on June 4 in an incident that took place at a caravan park in Borth, near Aberystwyth, on May 3 this year.

Helen Tench, prosecuting, told the court that Williams was holidaying with family when he came across an altercation between Raymond Moss, a senior gardener at the camp they were staying in, and his father Matthew.

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Mr Williams could be heard stating "keep that hoe away from me" as Mr Moss came over to object to the family.

This led to Williams coming out onto the porch of the caravan they were staying in with a meat cleaver style knife and, according to the prosecution, threatening to "slit your throat" at Mr Moss.

However, Ms Tench said that a Newton hearing had been planned as Williams denied shouting this but she said it was withdrawn as, though the prosecution did not accept the basis of plea, "it would make no difference overall".

Defending Williams, Robert Hanratty told the court that the Newtown man did brandish the meat cleaver but remained around 30 feet from his victim.

He said the situation arose after staff at the site raised issues with Williams removing a motion sensor light from a neighbouring caravan as it was keeping him awake.

(Image: NQ)

Mr Hanratty told the court his client accepted that producing the meat cleaver escalated the situation.

Magistrates also heard from probation who said that Williams regretted his actions and his behaviour stemmed from PTSD.

Probation added that Williams was unfit for work because of his mental health and recommended a community order.

He was given an 18-month order and ordered to carry out 20 rehabilitation activity days as well as a Thinking Skills programme.

He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114 and costs of £85, which will be deducted from his benefits.

Nicholas Powell, chairman of the bench, added: “‘Keep your nose clean and stay out of trouble.”